the republican presidential candidate said obama's handling of the middle east is increasing the risk of conflict. romney spoke about the situation in iran and syria. he said the region is more dangerous now than when obama took office. he accused the president of employing a strategy of passivity. >> it is our responsibility and the responsibility of the president to use america's greatest power to shape history. not to lead from behind, leaving our destiny at the mercy of events. >> romney also criticized obama for slashing the u.s. defense budget. he promised to roll back the cuts if elected. >>> and a new u.s. poll subjects a big majority of americans who watched the first presidential debate think romney did a better job than obama. gallup surveyed viewers after last wednesday's debate. the poll indicates 72% of respondents believe romney won. 20% favored obama. gallup says the margin of 52 points is the largest it's ever measured in a post-debate poll. approval ratings for romney rose by five percentage points after the debate. he now ties obama at 47%. analysts say the remainin